AllGood Cafe

In case anyone’s wondering what Erkel’s been up to, he is still in the game voicing Sonic the Hedgehog and pushing his w**d line. Yes one of the strains is called “Purple Urkel.” TGIF can I get a holler? Tonight! One of the most classic bands in Dallas returns to our humble stage. (The) Lucky Pierres are back for one night only! Come see your favorite band play your favorite songs while eating your favorite chicken fried steak. Show’s 7-9. Happy Hour starts at 4 and ends at 8. Let’s party! Did I do that???

Turns out, happy hours started in the 1910’s on a boat so the Navy could have a little fun out at sea. Then, during prohibition, folks “pre-gamed” before heading out to dinner and eventually dubbed that Happy Hour themselves. Now cut to today. Lucky for us, our great grandparents were so very thirsty! We’ve added food to ours to take out two birds with one rock. Dinner and drinks? Yes please.

If there’s one thing I obsess over, it’s iced tea. Luckily, there’s a bunch of great batches in town. Like, I’ve always encouraged folks to try the incredible tea at stpetes_dancingmarlin . It’s flavored oh so perfectly and the one to beat in Deep Ellum for sure. Our blend here at the cafe is a classic - bold and strong. Elsewhere in the city, of course, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the pride of the El Vecino Tex Mex menu - their brew is simply a modern marvel. Happy Iced Tea Day everyone! Drink up!

I click on one sim theory video and my feed turns all UFO’s and conspiracies. Well, if this is a simulation, at least I get to eat this and smile. Gooooood morning matrix!

I’m not sure which words and images are trademarked and copyrighted but will still try and say what’s happening this week. There’s a sport with a kinda bouncy round object you can’t get handsy with, you must only use your walkin’ extremities with an objective to place that said spherical gadget into a rectangular, netted three dimensional fence of sorts. They play it all over the globe and a lot of folks are coming to town to watch it. It’s all very exiting. Speaking of exciting, this week at the cafe is gonna blow some minds on a global level. I’ll drink outta that cup.

It’s a great day down here in Deep Ellum for walking around. Lemme recommend checking out the latest exhibition at Kettle Art - “The Deep Ellum OG's Return” featuring works by Bill Haveron, Brad Ellis, Brad Smith, Clay Austin, Dwayne Carter, Frank Campagna, Greg Contestabile, and Thor Johnson, along with a tribute to the late Albert Scherbarth and David 'Mosquito' Hawley. It’s well curated and takes you back. If you need some struttin’ food and drinks, we got you covered with that.

"It is in our power to have no opinion about a thing [that attempts to destroy] our soul; for things themselves have no natural power to shape our judgments." - Marcus Aurelius. That’s what I think of when the teenager at Dairy Queen says their ice-cream machine is broken. 😫 Speaking of Ice Cream, today JR and his unpluggedcommons crew will be at the Cafe today 3-7 or so with a slew of games to play. They’ll be in the house and on hand to learn you the rules and ropes. Our happy hour lasts from 4-8pm and is the best deal in town. Do we like to party or what?

Last night was a throwdown for the ages. Now, I’m here Biding’ time with these breakfast tacos and delicious potatoes until Happy Hour starts at 4 and goes ‘til 8. Robin’s behind the bar and holding court tonight! To quote Tiesto : Let’s Get Down, Let’s Get Down, Let’s get down to business.

Tonight we celebrate AllGood royalty, someone as synonymous with the Cafe as anyone has ever been. Claire Bruce is hangin’ up her apron and moving on to the much greener pastures that lay ahead. For many years she’s been the heart (or maybe even the pacemaker) of this restaurant. Tonight at her and Sara Hauder’s world famous open mic, we hoist all the glasses in her honor as one AllGood - and Dallas in general’s - Best of the Best.

It’s National Drugs Day! Sorry, I meant : this is your brain on drugs. It’s National Egg Day! It’s also the birthday of two literally giants : Larry McMurtry and Alan Ginsberg. “I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness,” starts Howl. To which Gus McCrae might counter : “The earth is mostly just a boneyard. But pretty in the sunlight." How the world moves in circles, I reckon.

So happy for Joshua Ray Walker and his new release . The album cover stands as what could’ve been had he not triumphed through his battle with cancer. And lucky us, because it’s a beautiful piece of art that stretches time and space. Go over to Good Records or your local record shop to get you a copy. On the way there, stream it wherever you listen to that kinda stuff. You’re gonnna dig it. We know we do.

A bittersweet First Thursday Open Mic at the Cafe this week. Come bid Claire best wishes on her next adventures as this will, sadly, be her last week serving and bartending at AllGood. But Greener pastures lay ahead for her and hers. Let’s all celebrate the good times and hoist many a glass to her good fortunes. Bring your songs and instruments. We got the mics and the grub. 7-9ish.

Walking our dog Toast through the neighborhood and stopped to snap this over looking towards . Little things make great things that make this little time we have worth living. To quote Ferris Bueller: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

You can vibe the chill from zero to nothing in no time starting now. Maybe get yourself a chicken fried steak and eggs before you head to the FOE for a swim and a Jell-O shot. I don’t know how to spell perfect, but that seems pretty purfack.

“I order the club sandwich all the time and I'm not even a member, man.” This turkey club is the bomb. Seen here on some sourdough bread, it’s so perfectly crafted. Turkey and Bacon saying howdy. That slice of Gouda is like, “say whaaa?” And that toothpick holding it all together. This thang’s putting out “daaaaaang” vibes.

Anybody wanna put on some jeans and play some volleyball? Quick rabbit hole : Irene Cara’s Flashdance theme song went #1 on this day in 1983. The movie used the song in a montage/music video style that the producers (Bruckheimer and Gibson) continued to use in most of their subsequent films including, of course, Top Gun that used K-Log’s “Danger Zone” to great success. The 80’s were sooo radical. Speaking of radical, tonight I’m gonna high-five everyone at the and show here at the cafe tonight. It’ll be totally bodacious.

madisonkingmusic has held a Thursday residency at the Cafe for three glorious months. Her voice, songs, and energy are not only national treasures, it is us who are the lucky ones who get to have her here in our Dallas. While it sadly comes to its finish-line this week, the celebration includes the one and only dezi5 for the finale. Dezi’s accomplishments reach far past the humble AllGood stage - his dallasentertainmentawards are one of the biggest and best parties of the year honoring the rich, vibrant scene here. His songs and talent are pretty much unmatched. Come in early, stay late. Let’s have some fun. Happy hour lasts until 8pm. Show starts around 7.

The [Big Matches] are coming to Dallas in a “Global Glass” kinda way. We can’t say the name of the event because it’s trademarked, but let’s just say, it’s a world-class soccer thang. With that in mind, we’re looking for a server/bartender to help us on the adventures throughout and beyond. Ever wondered what it would be like to eat a chicken fried chicken every single day? Now’s your chance. Come by and apply.

We are open today! Memorial Migas. Blue skies. The cooler’s loaded and iced. Got some hot dogs ready for the back burner. Let’s get down to business. First, a Bloody Mary and mimosas for everybody.

In Rochester, NY., they have a dish called the Garbage Plate (pictured 2nd). It’s insane: two burger patties worth of meat with cheese, a macaroni salad, and krinkle cut fries all doused with mustard and ketchup. To eat it is to wonder, “Why!?” In Cincinnati, OH., they love their spaghetti loaded up with a kinda-sweet chili mess topped with two tons of grated cheddar cheese. (Pictured 3rd). It’s an acquired taste. And in Deep Ellum, Texas, we have “The Boracho Biscuit.” It’s kinda like Grandma’s biscuits and gravy but only after your crazy uncle showed up and tossed queso and sausage and pico and jalapeños and avocados all over it. It is pure deliciousness. And on this holiday weekend, it’s the perfect cure for what ails.

I’ve been tailgating all night long, because it’s “World Paloma Day!” Yeah! It’s finally here for all of us to celebrate. We’ve been waiting weeks, putting in the training. You might be thinking, “Well, Johnny, today’s a thirsty day like any other - six on one, half on the other.” True, Jethro. But today is special because someone on the internet said it was an “official food and drink holiday.” So - Come drink a Paloma or a few today with tequila or mezcal. Then warsh it down with some classic Hank Williams music tonight with this world-class band. deeringmilo , scarlettlovescats , and Rick Babb play the hits from 7 or so until 9 or so. Happy Hour is from 4-8!

I could look at chicken fried steaks and chickens all day every day. Just look at this thang. Hot and golden. It’s saying, “Ay there, you. Whatcha doin’? Why don’t ya take a lil’ bite, hmm?” I’m not playing with my food, Mom. I’m hanging out with it. Risner means business tonight. He writes songs that are reallll good and sings all purty like. Do yous a favor and come out. You’ll be glad you did.

What pairs with a cloudy day nicely? That’s right - a grilled cheese sandwich. Also works well on any other type of day. It’s a handy meal. Do me a kindness, next time you’re out there moving about, stop on by the cafe, have yourself one of these gems. Or better yet, enjoy it while listening to some music tonight! madisonkingmusic and lil’ ol’ me johnpedigo are on at 7!

In case you were about to google search “did Cher and Jimmy Stewert ever have a joint birthday party,” I’ve gone ahead and helped you out. The answer is, sadly, no. Can you imagine that rager? Maybe they do a lil’ duet of “I Got You Babe.” Martini himself is tending bar. Clarence is flying high above. For some reason, I’m reminded of a lil’ hidden quote written below a picture of Pa Bailey from It’s a Wondeful Life : “All that you can take with you is that which is given away.”

To quote a wise man who loves Jell-O shots : failing to plan is planning to fail. That sage wisdom guides me this morning while enjoying this delicious omelette. Let’s get to planning. THURSDAY - I’m very excited to join the amazing as part of her residency. These shows have been going so great and are a ton of fun. Make it down - you’ll love it. FRIDAY, Risner hops in the ol’ AllGood deep end. He sings like Vince Gill talking like Jerry Reed. He also juggles when he’s not fishing. SATURDAY, a band of ringers playing Hank Williams tunes called Ghost Named Hank comes to the stage led by Milo Deering and Rick Babb - these guys bring the good stuff. Man - Turns out, planning is easy when you just think about it. Who knew?